SEM observations of the effects of velocity and load on the sliding wear characteristics of glass fabric–epoxy composites with different fillers

The slide wear characteristics of a glass–epoxy (G–E) composite, filled with either rubber or oxide particles, were studied using a block-on-roller test configuration. Mass loss was determined as a function of sliding distance for sliding velocity between 0.5 and 1.5 m/s at three different loads of 42, 140 and 190 N. The worn surfaces were also examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study showed differing trends with load for the two types of fillers. At low loads, the oxide-filled had lower wear, while at high loads the rubber-filled composite had lower wear. The work also showed that higher loads and sliding velocities bring about changes in worn surface features such as interface separation, inclined fracture of fibres, loss of matrix as well as the appearance of debris with the two different fillers.